Tips for trees
• Choose a tree that suits the climate of your area and the look of your garden. If water is scarce, plant a tree that will cope with the rainfall in your region or occurs naturally there.
• Plant it in the right place. Many trees prefer full sun to bloom well, others are content with shade. Also plant it so that its blooms create a focal point, and place those with fragrant flowers, such as wild gardenia (Rothmannia capensis), where you can enjoy the scent. • The mature size of the tree also determines whether it is suitable for a garden. A tree that is too big will completely overwhelm a small garden, although it is difficult to determine the exact height and width of a tree. Under ideal conditions, it may grow bigger than usual; on the other hand, if it is under strain, it will stay smaller.
• The growth rate of trees differs greatly. Choose one that grows quickly if you want a big tree soon, but don’t discount slow growers like the tree wisteria – your patience will be rewarded!
• Make sure that the tree you choose is wind resistant if your garden is battered by strong winds, and frost resistant in colder parts of the country.
Indigenous plant expert Ernst van Jaarsveld suggests the following trees:
[ FOR SMALLER GARDENS]
September bush (Polygala myrtifolia) grows quickly to about 4.5m tall with a round crown. In winter and spring, it is covered with pea-like purple flowers. It is readily available and ideal for smaller gardens. Carpenter bees like to visit this plant.
Natal laburnum (Calpurnia aurea) is a fast grower with golden-yellow blooms in midsummer. It grows best in warm Bushveld gardens and is relished by bees.
White gardenia (Gardenia thunbergia) is a small tree with a round crown and large fragrant white blooms in spring and early summer. It is an asset in any garden.
[ FOR MEDIUM-SIZED GARDENS]
Tree wisteria (Bolusanthus speciosus) is an upright-growing tree that is covered with purple flowers from spring to autumn; the blooms attract many insects and birds. It thrives in Bushveld gardens, but also does well in warmer parts of Gauteng.
Mock olive (Buddleja saligna) is a small drought-resistant tree with delicate white flowers from spring to summer.
Tree fuchsia (Halleria lucida) blooms from autumn to summer. The tubular flowers are borne on its main stem and sometimes on the smaller stems. The blooms are followed by edible black berries. The tree is evergreen and grows up to 8m tall.
[ FOR LARGE GARDENS]
Sweet thorn (Vachellia karroo syn. Acacia karroo) boasts bright yellow flowers in summer that attract lots of bees. This fastgrowing tree’s roots contain nitrogen-fixing nodules that are beneficial to other plants growing in its shade. Sweet thorns occur naturally all over South Africa so will adapt well and thrive in gardens around the country. Cape chestnut (Calodendrum capense) bears masses of large pink flowers in spring and summer. It grows easily, is highly adaptable and does well in gardens. It is also suitable for gardens with lots of shade. Tree aloe (Aloidendron barberae) bears pink blooms in spring that attract birds, especially sunbirds. It does well in sun and shade and can grow up to 12m high. The tree aloe has a striking chunky stem with a round crown – truly a focal point in the garden.